Town approves $20,000 purchase of 78 Valley Street, opens 30‑day review window

The Board voted to authorize expenditure of $20,000 from previously approved fund balance to purchase 78 Valley Street and filed paperwork to deed the property to the Town. The Manager said this vote triggers a required 30‑day public review and appeal window on the municipal expenditure. Future decisions about demolition, public sale, or deed‑restricting the parcel for floodplain management would be returned to the Board for later public consideration.

Selectboard members noted the current vote authorizes only the acquisition step to comply with statutory requirements. The motion passed unanimously 4‑0 with Tara Chase absent.